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Childcare costs cause concern for parents wanting to go back to work

Mixed reopening plans across the U.S. have put stress on parents who want to return to work but lack options in childcare.

In the lasting impact COVID-19 has had, one concern among many is the cost of childcare and the fear that the pandemic will continue to put parents in a tough spot when it comes to weighing childcare options.

As many states progress through reopening phases, nearly two-thirds of parents feel uncomfortable sending their children to daycare, according to a Care.com survey.

The survey conducted found that the pandemic has only intensified childcare issues for parents already struggling with few options.

Close to half of parents (47%) are more worried about the cost of childcare now than they were prior to the pandemic. Just over half of parents (52%) expect Covid-19 will inflate the cost of childcare, according to the survey conducted by Care.com. 

More than 2,000 parents were surveyed on coronavirus’ effect on their child care situation and more than 3,800 were polled about child care costs.

“Our economic recovery rests on people’s ability to get back to work, and for parents, that makes childcare indispensable,” Care.com CEO Tim Allen said.

Prior to the pandemic, affording child care was a challenge for many. Now, parents have struggled to manage work with children at home, or face job or wage cuts. 

Many worry about their ability to afford child care going forward, or how a return to work could be possible if children aren’t back at school full-time, reports BizWomen.